Loan Counseling Requirement:

First-time Federal Direct Student Loan borrowers at CSULA are required to complete an Entrance Loan Counseling Session. In addition, an Exit Loan Counseling Session must be completed by borrowers before they graduate, transfer to another school, or drop below halftime enrollment.

• Entrance Loan Counseling is designed to familiarize borrowers with the loan process and the Direct Loan Program itself.

• Exit Loan Counseling is designed to educate borrowers  on the repayment options, as well as the deferment process and default prevention.

After completing an on-line Direct Loan Counseling session, you will be prompted to print the Rights and Responsibilities Checklist. You must turn in the checklist along with your Direct Loan Request Form in person to the Center for Student Financial Aid. You will sign your checklist at that time. (Please have your student ID available).

Please note: Entrance/Repayment/Exit Guides are available at the Center for Student Financial Aid upon request. 

If you have any questions after an on-line Direct Loan Counseling Session, please feel free to stop by our office or contact us at (323) 343-6260.

Loan Process:

After you have completed the Direct Loan Counseling Session and turned in all necessary paperwork, the Center for Student Financial Aid will process your loan within 7-10 days. A Promissory Note will be mailed to you (if required) which you will need to complete, sign and return to the Center for Student Financial Aid. The date you turn in your promissory note will determine your disbursement date.  Please pick up the disbursement schedule at the Center for Student Financial Aid counter, or visit the Center for Student Financial Aid Disbursement Page.

Special Note for First-Time Freshmen:

If you are a first-time, first-year undergraduate student, you will receive your first loan disbursement 30 days or more after the first day of your first quarter at CSULA, per federal regulation.